Sequel to Brad Pitt's 'World War Z' to release next year

But because of Jurassic World 2's notoriety, Paramount acceded to commissioning a new draft of the zombie apocalypse film's script, this time to be written by Dennis Kelly.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the new hire comes as Paramount looks to keep current director Juan Antonio Bayona aboard after he was tempted by the chance to make another high-profile sequel, Jurassic World 2. J.A. Bayona is squarely on board to direct, though rumors surfaced recently that his involvement was on thin ice after being eyed to direct the Jurassic World follow-up. Production was plagued with extensive reshoots and a "reworking" of the film's third act.

Kelly will pick up from an earlier draft penned by Steven Knight (Burnt).

World War Z had Brad Pitt in the leading role. The co-production/financing part will be handled by Skydance Productions with a well-known production team namely, Brad Pitt, Jeremy Kleiner, Dede Gardner, Ian Bryce and Skydance's David Ellison. Although no date has been given for its production, it would most likely begin by 2016, given that it is scheduled to come out on June 9, 2017.

In October 2013, director Marc Foster announced that he will not return for "World War Z 2", post which Spanish helmer JA Bayona was given the director's chair, reported Aceshowbiz. J.A. Bayona is known for his films The Orphanage and The Impossible.